Build a strong and connected foundation together.

Many couples seek premarital counseling because they want to be thoughtful and intentional as they move toward marriage. You may be deeply committed to each other and excited about your future, while also wanting to communicate better, handle conflict more peacefully, or deepen intimacy. Or you may have specific challenges coming up surrounding finances, family dynamics, or stressors related to wedding planning. Many couples simply want a space to slow down, understand each other better, and strengthen their connection before taking the next step. Therapy can help you enter this next phase feeling secure and in-sync.

Our Approach

We approach premarital counseling as a way to strengthen your partnership before negative patterns become entrenched. Our work focuses on helping you understand how you and your partner relate, how you handle stress and conflict, and how you support each other emotionally. Our team is trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, which is an evidence based approach to strengthening relationships.

Therapy offers space to talk openly about agreements, challenges, hopes, and dreams. Together, you and your partner will work as a team to uncover patterns, shift interactions, and create a loving life long partnership.

What to Expect in Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is collaborative and strengths based. Your therapist will guide conversations that help you understand yourselves and each other more deeply, while also supporting practical discussions about building a shared life.

You will have space to:

• Understand how you communicate and navigate conflict

• Talk openly about values, expectations, and goals

• Strengthen emotional and physical intimacy and affection

• Explore family of origin influences and future family plans

• Build tools for repair, support, and long term connection

The processs is designed to feel supportive and empowering. Many couples leave therapy feeling more confident, aligned, and excited about their future together. Sessions are typically fifty minutes and available in person at our Encinitas office or virtually throughout California. We will work with you to determine a pace and structure that fits your timeline, budget, and goals.

Who We Work With

Premarital counseling may be a good fit if:

• You are dating, engaged or planning to get married

• You want to strengthen communication and connection

• You want to work as a team on issues related to household duties, family, finances, or intimacy

• You are entering a second marriage or blending families

• You value being intentional about your relationship

We welcome all couples and partnerships. Our therapists are LGBTQ+ affirming and experienced in working with couples from a wide range of cultural, relational, and family backgrounds.

Our Team

Marissa Massimini, LMFT, is our premarital couples therapy specialist. Marissa is trained Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and is also trained in PREPARE/ENRICH, a well regarded relationship assessment used to support premarital and committed couples in building strong foundations.

As a team, we bring warmth, clarity, and depth to this work. We are committed to helping couples start their marriages with understanding, intention, and a strong sense of partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is premarital counseling only for couples who are struggling?
No. Many couples come to premarital counseling because they are doing well and want to strengthen their foundation and communication before marriage.

How is premarital counseling different from couples therapy?
The process of premarital counseling and couples therapy is unique to each couple. In general, the goal of premarital counseling is to build understanding, alignment, and skills that support long term connection.

How many sessions do couples usually attend?
This varies depending on your goals and timeline. Some couples attend for a few months, while others space sessions out over a longer period as they prepare for marriage.

Do you offer premarital courses and workshops?
We encourage you to explore our Relationship Course and Couples Workshop as these programs offer the opportunity to learn valuable relationship skills alongside therapy or as an alternative to therapy.

Ready to build a relationship that lasts?

Premarital therapy is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your relationship. The insight and connection you build now will support you for years to come. Contact us to get started. We will help you match with the therapist who is the best fit for your relationship and your goals.